Old Kutchi Indian Shawl (Ludi) TextileThis is a large old embroidered woolen shawl from Gujarat region. This type of shawl is known as “Ludi.” Approximately 104 x 30 inches. The background cloth is 2 strips of deep reddish brown handloomed wool cloth (probably camel wool) that have been sewn together lengthwise and dyed in the bandhani tie-dye techniques to create the yellow and green spots in the design. The embroidered medallions and end border of the shawl displays embroidery with detached interlacing and crossed stitches combined with looped chain stitch in yellow and white thread. The shawl is from the Vaghadia Rabari people east of Bhuj. The shawl is generally in excellent condition, but not terribly old.

According the book, Mud, Mirror and Thread, ”Though elements of the ludi are purely ethnic Rabari, the ground fabric of the shawl graphically illustrates symbiotic relations that Rabaris maintain with artists of other communities. The woolen shawls are locally woven by wool weaving Marwada Meghwals Harijans, then given to Khatri craftspeople for tie-dyeing, and then embroidered by Rabari artists.” $180